Concern over condition of irrigation canals in tail-end areas of Kanniyakumari district

Farmers in Kanniyakumari demand urgent repairs for deteriorating irrigation canals to ensure water supply for agriculture.

With farmers demanding extension of water release from Pechiparai and Perunchani dams for the benefit of farmers and agricultural lands in tail-end regions of Kanniyakumari district, some branch irrigation canals are in a state of deterioration, with overgrown weeds and blockage due to accumulation of silt.

The farmers had sought release of water until March 15 for Kumbha Poo paddy cultivation. A proposal was sent to the State government, and a Government Order was subsequently issued granting the extension.

However, the poor condition of Thengamputhoor canal in the tail-end region has raised concerns among residents and farmers. With a total length of around four km, it supplies water to Thengamputhoor and Puthalam regions, and has been overrun by weeds and bushes at many places. It is also increasingly threatened by waste dumping along its banks, particularly isolated areas.

Chenbagasekara Pillai, a farmer from Thuvarankaadu, says the canal, which earlier benefitted over 600 acres of agricultural land, has significantly reduced in area due to housing in farmlands and other allied activities. Inadequate maintenance of irrigation canals has further aggravated the problem.

C. Arul, president, Ananthanar Canal Kadaivarambu Sangam, says petitions have been repeatedly submitted to authorities for maintenance of the canal. “The canals are cleaned twice a year. However, within a few weeks it returns to its previous condition.”

The canal must be free from obstruction for water to reach the-tail end areas in a timely manner, he adds.